Office of the Mayor

Mayor's Office Press Release

Mayor Garcetti Rallies Climate Mayors to Adopt Paris Agreement Goals in their Cities, Appoints Turner as Co-ChairThe group came together at the 85th Annual Meeting of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, gathering for first time since President Trump announced that he would exit the landmark international pact.

June 24, 2017 -- Mayor Eric Garcetti brought Climate Mayors together for the first time today since affirming that hundreds of mayors would adopt, honor and uphold the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement in cities across America. While rallying other mayors to join with the network, Mayor Garcetti was also joined in a ceremonial signing of the Climate Mayors' commitment to adopt the Paris goals in their cities.

Mayor Garcetti, the chair and co-founder of the group, also named three new Climate Mayors co-chairs: Mayor Sylvester Turner of Houston, Mayor Marty Walsh of Boston, and Mayor Madeline Rogero of Knoxville.

“Since the President withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Agreement, mayors in cities across America have come together to say ‘Enough’ — we will not let the future of our planet be jeopardized by inaction at the top,” said Mayor Garcetti. “We are committed to carrying the fight against climate change forward in our cities, and I am honored to have Mayors Walsh, Turner and Rogero leading this effort with me.”

Mayor Garcetti co-founded the bipartisan Climate Mayors — formerly known as the Mayors National Climate Action Agenda — in 2014. When the President withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Agreement earlier this month, 61 mayors responded forcefully with strong commitments to upholding the Paris goals in their cities.

Since that time, participation in the group has soared to 331 mayors, representing more than 65 million Americans. Members include the 10 largest cities in America — New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Antonio, San Diego, Dallas, and San Jose. Mayors in 44 states have passed resolutions, signed executive orders, and taken other actions in hundreds of cities to demonstrate their commitment.

“As the Energy Capital of the world, it’s our responsibility to find sustainable ways to power the future,” said Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner. “By investing in green power, improving building efficiency, and revitalizing our green spaces, Houston is proof that large industrial cities can act on climate and maintain a robust, growing economy. Together, Climate Mayors can honor our commitments to protect our climate and the health of our communities.”

“Boston is a coastal city, putting us on the front lines of climate change,” said Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh. “We are facing this challenge head-on, from leading on energy efficiency, championing active transportation, and investing in green jobs. I am proud to be a co-chair, standing alongside other mayors, united in our commitment to addressing climate change.”

“Whether in a Red State or a Blue State, a large metropolis or a mid-sized Southern city, mayors know that acting on climate creates economic opportunity, protects our citizens, and positions our cities for long-term success,” said Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero. “I am proud to work alongside other Climate Mayors to advance efforts that improve our communities while showing the world that U.S. cities support global action on climate.”